Mission & History

Coalition for Integrity works with a broad network of individuals and organizations to combat corruption and promote integrity in the public and private sectors.

Corruption is an enormous, worldwide problem measured in the billions and trillions of dollars. Yet the true cost of corruption goes far beyond mere dollars and cents. Our view is simple: Democracy is best served when elected officials are wholly committed to representing the public interest.

When government is for sale, it destroys public trust in democratic institutions and denies people the right to accountable, responsive government and the rule of law. What’s more, corruption disproportionately burdens the poor, diverting scarce resources that could otherwise help lift millions out of poverty. It raises the costs of education, nutrition, clean water, and health care, often denying people these essential public services. It impedes investment, undermines economic growth, reduces market opportunities for legitimate business, and diverts international development assistance. Corruption can also destabilize societies with serious implications for security worldwide.

Our History

Coalition for Integrity (formerly known as Transparency International USA) has been tireless in its commitment to reduce corruption and increase government transparency and accountability. We have played a pivotal role in raising public awareness of the dangerous effects of corruption on societies. Among our achievements, we have contributed to securing:

Agreement of most major exporting nations to prohibit the bribery of foreign public officials in order to gain or retain business through the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions

Government commitments to prohibit extortion, increase fiscal and investment transparency, reduce bank secrecy, and cooperate in mutual legal assistance through the United Nations Convention against Corruption

Development of private sector integrity programs and greater global adherence to them, by means of industry-sector initiatives and collaboration with major business organizations

Action by multilateral development banks and bilateral donor agencies to address corruption risk in their own operations and in the countries where they operate

Development of an innovative procurement monitoring tool that aids civil society to monitor public procurements for signs of corruption and fraud

Going forward, the Coalition for Integrity seeks to build on its past successes to help foster greater integrity and transparency in the public and private sectors in the United States as well as around the world.